Linx 8900 Signals its High Quality

The reliability and code quality of the Linx 8900 Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) printer are proving key benefits for the coding of essential information onto marine distress signals at a leading UK supplier.

Dorset-based Powerhaul International is a long-established logistics and shipping company that provides specialised services to the commercial and military explosive industries. The company supplies a variety of German-manufactured marine distress flares for the leisure yachting sector. The Linx 8900 is being used to print an expiry date onto each flare immediately before it is distributed in the UK. This ensures the flares carry the strict industry-standard guarantee of four years, after which time the distress signal’s light and colour – of paramount importance to its effective performance – may degrade.

Key requirements for the code are that it is tamper-proof and permanent, and able to remain intact in harsh saline environments.

“We were looking for a coder with a simple user interface that would enable us to print a single line, with the option of QR and barcodes,” explains Peter Jenkins, the owner of Powerhaul International.

“In our discussions with Linx, it was clear that not only was the Linx 8900 ideal for the job, but the company could also offer us a much higher level of service and support than our existing supplier.”

The Linx 8900 is currently printing a 20-character code, using Linx 1240 black fast-drying ink, which was chosen because of the excellent durability of the printed code.

The printer is coding onto five different products and has the flexibility to place the information in different areas, depending on which flare is being coded. Code changes, which can occur up to five times a day, are quick and easy to perform. The Linx 8900 is in operation for eight and half hours, five days a week.

“We’ve been very happy with the Linx 8900 – both with its quality and its ease-of use,” concludes Peter Jenkins. “The large colour touch screen is like a smartphone, in that it is intuitive to use, and the printer is completely reliable, running perfectly after a shutdown. The flexibility to print easily onto a variety of different products is also a major benefit.”

A highly specialised transport and shipping company, Powerhaul International advises on and manages the safest and most efficient ways to move high-value products, sensitive and dangerous materials, and important documents for companies and government organisations of all sizes.